Melanoma is a tumor or a mass on the skin that occurs as a result of an increase or change in the proliferation of the melanocytes.

What is the Pathology of Melanoma?

The pathology of melanoma is the scientific study of the factors that lead to the formation of skin lesions and how to manage the abnormality.

-Etiology: The cause of melanoma is hereditary factors, extreme exposure to the sun, personal factors like blue eyes, socioeconomic status.

-Genes involved: CDKN2A, MC1R.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to melanoma occurs when the normal pathway the case new cells to regrow and the old ones to die if affected. The actors that damage this process include exposure to UV light, hereditary factors, and environmental factors.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with melanoma shows the presence of malignant cells, atypia, increased mitoses, and nucleoli in an increased amount.

-Histology: The histology associated with melanoma shows localized nodular proliferation of benign-appearing fibroblasts within the dermis.

How does Melanoma Present? 

Patients with melanoma typically are those in their fourth decade of life and can affect any gender. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with melanoma include asymmetrical, irregular borders, color variation esp. white, the red and blue larger diameter of more than 6 mm, and elevated surface.

How is Melanoma Diagnosed? 

The melanoma is diagnosed by a biopsy, physical examination.

How is Melanoma Treated? 

The melanoma is treated will depend on the size of the melanoma. It can be immunotherapy, targeted therapy and surgical removal.  

What is the Prognosis of Melanoma?

The prognosis of melanoma is good only if detected early since the melanomas are highly cancerous.